[2025 Guide] 7 Best Ways to Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo

[2025 Guide] 7 Best Ways to Travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Narita Airport is a major gateway for travelers heading to Tokyo. However, it is not actually in Tokyo—it is located in Chiba Prefecture, about 70 km away. This means that after arriving at Narita Airport, you need to find your own way to Tokyo.

In this article, we introduce 7 different transportation options from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, analyzing their features and important points to consider.

Basic Information About Narita Airport | How Is It Different from Haneda Airport?

Many travelers use Narita Airport when visiting Tokyo. Therefore, it is important not only to book your flight in advance but also to consider your transportation options from Narita Airport to the city center.

Please note that Narita Airport has three terminals, and the available transportation options vary slightly for each one. Be sure to choose the best option based on the terminal where your flight arrives.

When traveling to Tokyo, you can choose not only Narita Airport but also Haneda Airport. The official name of Haneda Airport is Tokyo International Airport. Compared to Narita, Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo, and a train ride takes just 20 minutes to get to the city center.

Although Haneda is an international airport, it primarily serves domestic flights, with only a limited number of international flights. Therefore, most people travel through Narita Airport to reach Tokyo.

Comparison of 7 Transportation Options from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo

JR Narita Express (N’EX)

The N’EX Narita Express trains have spacious and comfortable seating, with enough room to store suitcases securely.

The one-way fare for the N’EX from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station is ¥3,070.

Transportation MethodJR Train – N’EX Narita Express
Travel TimeTokyo Station: 53 min~
Shinjuku Station: 85 min~
CostOne-way: ¥3,070~
Round-trip discount: ¥4,070~
FrequencyEvery 30–60 minutes, usually every 40 minutes
Where to Buy TicketsNarita Airport, JR Midori-no-Madoguchi (Ticket Office), Ticket Machines, Online Booking
Features53 min to Tokyo Station
– Convenient access to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro
Things to Note– Trains run every 40 minutes, so missing one means a long wait.
Most expensive train option from Narita.
– Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 must first go to Terminals 1 or 2 to board the N’EX.

Keisei Skyliner

Similar to the N’EX Narita Express, the Keisei Skyliner is a high-speed train that connects Narita Airport to central Tokyo. However, the Skyliner is faster, reaching the city center in as little as 36 minutes, making it the fastest option.

Additionally, the Skyliner runs more frequently than the N’EX and is 25% cheaper, offering a more cost-effective choice for travelers.

Transportation MethodKeisei Skyliner
Travel TimeUeno Station: 40 min~
Nippori Station: 36 min~
CostOne-way: ¥2,300~
Round-trip discount: ¥4,480~
FrequencyEvery 20–30 minutes, with 20-minute intervals during the day
Where to Buy TicketsNarita Airport Skyliner Ticket Counter (Blue Counter) or Ticket Machines
FeaturesFastest train option to Tokyo, reaching Nippori in just 36 minutes
Save 14% when booking online, making it highly cost-effective
Frequent service, with a train every 20 minutes
Things to Note– The round-trip discount is not very significant.
– Transfers are required at Ueno for JR connections.
– Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 must go to Terminals 1 or 2 to board the Skyliner.

Keisei Regular Train (Local & Limited Express)

In addition to the N’EX Narita Express and Skyliner high-speed trains, travelers looking to save money can choose the Keisei Regular Train, which offers the most affordable option.

Transportation MethodKeisei Regular Train (Local & Limited Express)
Travel TimeUeno Station: 75–90 min
CostOne-way: ¥1,050 (Cheapest train option)
FrequencyEvery 10–20 minutes, about 1 train every 20 minutes
Where to Buy TicketsTicket machines at Narita Airport
FeaturesMost affordable train option from Narita Airport – No reservations needed—just buy a ticket and board – Suica/PASMO can be used at the gate
Things to NoteSlower than other train options, taking 75–90 minutes
No assigned seats, and can be crowded during rush hours
Transfers may be needed depending on your destination
Be careful not to board the wrong train, as there are different destinations
Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 must go to Terminals 1 or 2 to board

Airport Limousine Bus

The Airport Limousine Bus covers 20 areas in central Tokyo and provides direct access to over 90 hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist spots.

However, since the limousine bus is more convenient than regular trains, the fare is slightly higher than train options.

Transportation MethodAirport Limousine Bus
Travel TimeShinjuku: 110 min~Ginza: 95 min~
CostOne-way: ¥3,200~
FrequencyVaries by destination, approximately every 30 minutes from Shinjuku
Where to Buy TicketsOnline reservation or Limousine Bus Counter
FeaturesDirect service to your destination with no transfers
– Convenient access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 – Large luggage storage in the bus compartment—ideal for travelers with lots of baggage
– Equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets for internet access and charging
Things to NoteSlower travel time compared to express trains

AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT

※Image courtesy of AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT (https://tyo-nrt.com/)

The biggest advantage of AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT is its affordable fare—just ¥1,300 for a direct ride from Narita Airport to central Tokyo.

With a travel time of about 65 minutes, it offers a cost-effective alternative comparable to the JR N’EX Narita Express in terms of speed.

Transportation MethodAirport Bus TYO-NRT
Travel TimeTokyo Station: 65 min~
CostOne-way: ¥1,300~ (Cheaper than trains)
FrequencyEvery 15–30 minutes, with 15-minute intervals during the day
Where to Buy TicketsNarita Airport AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT Counter
Features– Direct to Tokyo Station for just ¥1,300, making it cheaper than trains
Fast travel time of 65 minutes, similar to express trains
More frequent than trains, with buses every 15 minutes
Large luggage storage, allowing passengers to store big or multiple bags easily
Things to NoteLonger travel time compared to express trains

Private Transfer Service

Trains and buses are fast and affordable, but if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with elderly family members or children, using public transportation can be inconvenient and stressful. In such cases, a private transfer service may be a more comfortable and hassle-free option.

Transportation MethodPrivate Transfer Service
Travel TimeTokyo Station: 51 min~
Shinjuku: 60 min~
Cost¥20,000–¥40,000
FrequencyPick-up at Narita Airport at a pre-scheduled time
Where to BookOnline or by phone in advance
FeaturesFast and convenient—reaches central Tokyo in about 60 minutes
Direct transportation for both passengers and luggage, eliminating the need for navigation
– Some drivers speak English or Chinese, making it accessible for non-Japanese speakers
Things to NoteAdvance reservation required, and cancellation fees may apply

The following website is one of the most well-known travel sites in Japan. To avoid any risks, it is recommended to book through this trusted site

Taxi

If you are taking a taxi, please go to the designated taxi stands at Narita Airport:

  • Narita Airport Terminal 1: Stand No. 15
  • Narita Airport Terminal 2: Stands No. 30 & 31-A
  • Narita Airport Terminal 3: Taxi Stand

These locations provide easy access to taxis for a convenient and direct ride to central Tokyo.

Transportation MethodTaxi
Travel TimeTokyo Station: 65 min~
CostFlat Rate: ¥17,000~
Metered Fare: ¥30,000~
FrequencyAvailable 24/7
Where to Get a TaxiTaxi stands at Narita Airport
FeaturesTaxis are always available, so you can ride anytime
Direct, point-to-point service, making it fast and convenient
– Accessible from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, making it easy to board
Things to Note– Not all taxis offer flat-rate pricing
Highway toll fees are charged separately if using expressways
Taxis accommodate up to 4 passengers—for larger groups, multiple taxis are needed
Flat-rate fares may not apply when traveling from Tokyo to Narita Airport

If you are planning a trip or considering living in Tokyo, don’t forget to save this article for future reference!

Thank you for reading until the end!